Anyone with a 2G iPhone or an iPod Touch would be well advised to steer clear of the version 2 software, at least until the rush dies down and gives iTunes time to catch its breath.

Punters with last year's models are rushing to upgrade to version 2, so they can download the applications Apple deems suitable. But it seems iTunes is having a hard time meeting demand, and while iPod Touch users can't download the new software at all, iPhone users are reporting that the new software is cutting them off completely.

Yesterday Apple support was promising that the new software would be available for the iPod Touch within 24 hours, at a price. Today eager owners connecting to the online store are told on checking for updates that they can indeed lay their hands on version 2. But ask for more information and iTunes just sits around doing nothing.

None of this prevents the Touch user buying applications, or being charged for them - they just can't install or run them without version 2 of the OS.

For iPhone users the situation is even worse, as once the upgrade is installed they are required to register with iTunes before their phone's service returns to operation - but with iTunes playing hard to get, that's very difficult. Several Reg readers report being cut off, though they do have the consolation of being able to buy a copy of Super Monkey and play it.

We spoke to O2 about the activation issue and are waiting to hear from them, but for the moment the best advice is probably to relax for a few days and get the update once things have calmed down. We promise not to tell anyone you weren't at the cutting edge for 48 hours. ®

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